Brian Kastan dynamically different jazz rock Brian Kastan – Not So Standard

Brian Kastan dynamically different jazz rock Brian Kastan – NOT SO STANDARD: When I first reviewed Brian’s “Roll The Dice On Life” (and gave it a “PICK”, by the way), I had no doubt he would be back with ever-more challenging listens for listeners who have exceeded the boundaries of the wormhole and moved on to dynamically different jazz rock dimensions!  As you listen to Brian’s (somewhat twisted) take on the opener, Stevie’s “Higher Ground“, your ears will be in complete ecstasy – unless, of course, you’re one of those (dreaded) “M.O.R.” (middle-of-the-road) listeners, lol… just imagine Stevie on-stage with George Duke, Frank Zappa & the rest of those “mothers”, & you’ll have a pretty clear aural picture of where this tune will take you!

Brian’s exquisite electric/acoustic guitar work is joined on this outing by Miles Griffith’s challenging vocals, Steve Rust’s buoyant bass and Peter O’Brien’s dynamic drum work… they seem to play in “telepathy” mode, each player sensing the “outer limits” of the other(s), as they help you transcend the daily trials & tribs you may have encountered in MugWump!  Though the video below isn’t from the current album, it will give you a great feel for the band as they move you away from “the norm” (this “jam mode” is one I used to play in quite frequently)… check them OUT…

Ain’t it amazing what “real” talent and dedication to moving away from the standards can do?  I just loved this video, & while some listeners may not get as excited as I do about this kind of music, it’s very refreshing…. but, I digress… the absolute genius on the new album, and my personal favorite of the nine great songs offered up for your jaded aural pleasure, was an easy pick – “Juju” will cast a spell that lasts for all time… it will come on “automatically” on your car player, every time you start the vehicle, & will be your escort into infinity!

I give Brian & his high-talent, high-energy krew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for this album, with a (perfect) “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 5.00… that means that it gets my “PICK” (again) for “best not standard performances”.  Get more information about this fascinating guitartist at Brian’s bio sketch.      Rotcod Zzaj

#Brian #Kastan #dynamically #different #jazz #rock

 

Dick Metcalf, editor, Contemporary Fusion Reviews
Dick Metcalf, editor, Contemporary Fusion Reviews
Dick Metcalf (aka Rotcod Zzaj) is a globe-hopping musician and poet who spent many years roving the world until he finally settled in his current abode, Lacey, Washington... just down the road from Seattle. He started IMPROVIJAZZATION NATION magazine in 1990 (still being published), and Contemporary Fusion Reviews magazine in 2016. He also was a keyboard player & singer for many years... you can hear (and download for free) many of those works at his "Internet Archive Collection". If you'd like to support our efforts and get something in return, there are also a few of these albums for sale on the Rotcod Zzaj BandCamp site"

Related Articles

Ads from our artists

 

Latest Articles